Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK after London, with a population of over 1 million. Home to various Universities including the University of Birmingham it is filled with people of all ages and cultures. With a profound Central Station, it is easily accessed by train and by car. A day will not pass without something to do here, why not take a visit?

Boston Tea Party

Start your day off with a delicious breakfast/brunch at Boston Tea Party. Located in either Corporation Street or Harboune it’s easy to find and has a menu you won’t be able to resist. From Eggs Royale to a Full English, from Pancakes to Salads, they’ve got a hearty breakfast in store. Not to mention the large choice of teas, coffees and freshly baked cakes on offer!

Redpoint Climbing Centre

Why not test your strength with some bouldering at Redpoint Climbing Centre? Redpoint has a huge bouldering centre, full weird and wonderful routes for all abilities. It’s impossible not to enjoy yourself here – with cheap prices too you’re bound to have an amazing time without breaking the bank!

Shopping

The Bullring is well known for it’s large array of shops. Whether you’re after some high end shopping in Selfridges or would prefer to dwindle in and out of more ‘high street’ type shops they’ll be somewhere for you. Along with the shops, there are also the famous Birmingham Markets too selling huge amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables at more than reasonable prices! There are plenty of restaurants and cafe’s for regular tea and coffee breaks so don’t be afraid to bring the boys!

Explore the Local Parks and Canal

The Canal that runs from Brindley Place down towards Edgbaston and the University of Birmingham is beautiful all year round. Not only will you have a refreshing walk but you might get some fabulous photos too!

The Mailbox

Whilst you’re walking along the canal stop off for a meal at the Mail Box. It’s full of fine dining restaurants along with some more well-known chains like Nandos, Zizzi and Pizza Express. If you’re lucky enough to visit in the winter, the beautiful lights and canal view make it the perfect spot for a date.

If you’ve got any recommendations on places to visit in Birmingham please let me know, there are still plenty of places I am yet to explore! Don’t forget to subscribe to post notifications on the right ->>>

Although 2016 has been full of ups and downs on a global scale, I have had quite an amazing year – undoubtedly the best year of my life. I am sure some of you are feeling exactly the same way, whether that be because you started a new job, set a new milestone in your life or just have some amazing memories to look back on. Last year I set a New Years resolution to write 52 post for my blog (roughly 1 a week) – I just about managed it and unexpectedly my blog took off. I also wanted to spend more time reflecting….and I managed this too.

Here are a few goals I’ve set for 2017:

Set Aside Time to Relax

I am quite well known for spending far too little time relaxing. I hate sitting still and would rather be baking, walking around shops buying unnecessary gym kit or pieces of ‘photographable’ crockery, or taking endless photos in a new bright spot I’ve discovered in some obscure corner of the house (it is quite a normal sight to find me standing on a chair in my PJs trying to get the right lighting!). At various points this year this has backfired and I’ve suddenly got quite ill and therefore I feel it’s important that I sit back and relax a little more!

Travel

My dream is to travel the world, ultimately NZ, South America and Tanzania. I’ve already started planning my 2017 adventures and I cannot put into words how excited I am….keep your eyes peeled! If you have any recommendations on destinations please let me know!!

Spend less time on social media

I am not ashamed to say that I spend far too much of my day on my phone scrolling through Instagram, Facebook or editing photos. Although social media plays a big role in my job, it means I spend less time interacting with the people around me. On one of the last days of term the Wifi cut out early one evening and we had one of the most enjoyable evenings of the year – we spent hours chatting about things which clearly wouldn’t have happened if there had been internet (let’s forget the fact that this also meant we couldn’t do our work!).

As 2016 comes to a close naturally we have all started to reflect on the amazing things we have been up to this year. There have been a mixture of experiences that we’d love to repeat and repeat day-in-day-out, but there have also been a few events that have once again highlighted to us just how precious life is.

I have started to set long and short term goals for the year, plan adventures to take place throughout 2017 and also think about what I’ll do differently this year.

PC: Eliot Finch Photography / Wearing: Karrimor Lite Run Jacket

I have decided to round up my favourite products from this last month to give you my ‘New Year Fit Gift Guide’. Whether you’re a gym goer or runner, foodie or fashionista, male or female; there’s something for you. Give your 2017 a kick start with some of these!

Nutri Ninja

The Nutri Ninja blenders are the next biggest gadget that you need in your kitchen. As well as being uber powerful, they’re reliable and easy to wash up! They will mix anything from nuts to make nut butter, frozen bananas to make nice cream, or egg whites for meringue nets!

These blenders are made in a range of sizes/powers, so dependent on your budget and ideal use there will be one for you! I’ve used the AutoIQ and the Duo and I will never look back! Click here to have a look at their website.

Pip and Nut Almond Butter (Holland and Barrett)

If you have been a follower of mine for some time, you’ll know my relationship with nut butters has gone beyond safe. The discovery of a new nut butter is dangerous, especially for my bank balance. Although Pip & Nut haven’t been around that long, they have now got their products into Holland and Barrett. As soon as I heard 1kg tubs were on the way it’s safe to say I was more than excited…!! Their peanut/almond/cashew butter is the creamiest smooth nut butter you will EVER find. It’s perfect for drizzling and baking, eating from the spoon or for dipping apple chunks in. They even produce sachets which are super convenient for when you’re out! Check them out at H&B here.

Enertor Insoles

ENERTOR™ insoles are made using D3O® Technology and are endorsed by Usain Bolt. They are designed to enhance performance and provide superb cushioning to reduce injury risk and increase the comfort of the shoes.

ActivBod Towel (with zip pocket)

I absolutely LOVE my ActivBod towel. Not only does it have a zip pocket to store keys/gym cards and snack bars, but it also has an elastic tag that makes it easy to hang from things. I’ve been using mine for about a year now and have found it so much more absorbent than any other towel that I have taken to the gym – it is also bright green so you’re far less likely to pick up someone else’s in a hurry! Click here to go to the ActivBod Website.

Bean Body Coffee Scrub

I get through endless amounts of shower gel and body scrub which means I tend to end up buying them when they’re on special offer. However, this is one of the only occasions I have given in and paid that little bit extra. Having tried a sample amount of this coffee scrub and finding it SO effective I found it on BOGOF and couldn’t resist getting more. Although it is very fragrant (I’m not overly keen on coffee), it leaves you with smooth skin like no other scrub. If you’ve got some Christmas money to spend I’d highly recommend giving this a go!!! Find it in Holland and Barrett here.

Nike Epic Lux Shorts (with zip pocket)

These Nike shorts are currently my favourite. I have a fair few pairs of athletic shorts, but unlike most, these come down low enough to look ‘decent’ in public, have a VERY useful zip pocket at the back and have a high waistband to keep them up! The shorts are also made to prevent chaffering which makes them super comfy for everyone. Click here.

Myprotein Whey Crispies

Myprotein recently released a new range of snacks, these whey protein crispies were included. They come in a 500g or 1.5kg bag and contain roughly 50% protein (with the added bonus that they are also gluten free). Whether you’re making chocolate crispy cakes, topping your smoothie bowl or just fancy a snack, you need to try these! They’re also unflavoured which makes them perfect for using alongside any other flavour! Check them out here. (BETHH10 will get you 10% off).

The Organic Protein Company Whey

When it comes to protein, I am quite particular. I don’t just eat every type of protein powder I’m given. As well as being gluten free, I try and make sure I only use protein powders that have been made using the purest ingredients that come from a trustworthy source. This particular protein has 1 ingredient; organic whey protein. It mixes like no other and is totally unflavoured which makes it more versatile. To order some, click here. (BETHRUN5 gets you a discount).

As a Coeliac, I find it so hard to find gluten free granolas in the supermarket that aren’t full of sugar or being sold for a ridiculous price. I LOVE to snack on granola, so much so that I have been known to eat an entire bag in the space of an hour over work (terrible I know, but when it tastes so good how can you not?!).

I’ve tried to make a range of types of granola and this has to be my favourite (with peanut butter granola falling very close behind!). I absolutely love the flavour of coconut and the crunch of pecans – this recipe combines the two which never fails to impress.

This recipe is perfect with milk and fresh banana slices, as a topper for yoghurt or a crumble, or as a snack out of the jar! It isn’t greasy so don’t be worried about eating it as a snack!

Ingredients:

100g gluten free jumbo oats

30g chia seeds

50g pecans, whole

50g mixed seeds

1/2 tsp carob powder (optional)

1/2 tsp mixed spice

60g jumbo raisins

50g flaked coconut

40g coconut oil, melted

40g date nectar (or maple syrup/honey)

Method:

Preheat oven to 160°C. Line a baking tray with baking parchment.

Add all dry ingredients [excluding raisins] into a bowl and mix until well combined.

Add the melted coconut oil and date nectar into the bowl and stir until all the oats are coated.

Pour onto the tray lined with baking parchment and bake for 10-12 minutes until the oats are just starting to turn golden. Remove from oven and stir in the raisins.

I'm Beth, a Runner, Coeliac and Freelance Blogger. If I'm not out pounding the pavements in neon lycra I'm either eating peanut butter out of the jar in my PJs or wishing I could be doing one (or both) of the two. 🥑